New bovine TB scheme begins

The new privatised bovine TB eradication scheme came into operation yesterday

The new privatised bovine TB eradication scheme came into operation yesterday. The 176,000 herd owners in the Republic will now take responsibility for arranging and paying for an annual test of their animals.

Previous schemes have involved the Department of Agriculture arranging the test and paying the private veterinary surgeon. The Department has also removed the requirement that animals must be tested for the disease within 60 days of being moved from a farm.